Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured of relief measures and that the state government is committed to ensuring the safety of devotees at the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj following the stampede on Wednesday that left several injured with 20 feared dead.
Adityanath said around 8-10 crore devotees are still present at the Kumbh and around 5.5 crore people have taken the holy dip called ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Mauni Amawasya, which led to immense pressure on the authorities in terms of crowd management as devotees try to reach the Snagam nose.
“Barricades were set up on Akhara Marg between 1-2 am last night. Some devotees who climbed over the barricades sustained serious injuries. PM Modi has inquired about the situation four times since this morning. He has called four times, while Amit Shah and Anandiben Patel are also in touch, continuously receiving updates,” he said.
सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुओं, प्रदेश एवं देश वासियों से मेरी अपील है कि अफवाह पर कोई ध्यान न दें, संयम से काम लें, प्रशासन आप सभी की सेवा के लिए तत्परता से कार्य कर रहा है… pic.twitter.com/r3qAkveJoz
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025
The chief minister held a meeting with senior officials, including the DGP and chief secretary while talks were also held it Akhara bodies and Mahamandaleshwars, who have agreed that devotees should bathe first, followed by them.
“By 8:30 am today, more than 3 crore people have taken a dip. People are urged not to pay attention to rumours and to remain calm. The administration is fully dedicated to serving the devotees, as rumours can lead to unnecessary panic,” Adityanath said.
“Temporary ghats have been set up within a 15-20 km radius, so it is not necessary for everyone to head towards Sangam Nose. Devotees should bathe at the ghats where they are. The situation is under control, but the pressure remains high,” he said.